Local Governance and the Online Networked Public Sphere—A Case Study

What are the prospects for the Web enhancing the local governance process by providing a networked public sphere? This article addresses this question by researching online local civic activity associated with a case study of a UK local government referendum. Drawing upon social network analysis theory, this research first of all applies relational hyperlink analysis to map and structurally analyze the hyperlinked network. Second, it draws upon a network ethnography approach to identify and then interview key actors associated with this network. The results suggest a need for policy intervention to counter the distinct homophily effects and “politics as usual” scenario uncovered in the local online network.